Newly Entering the Workforce — Minneapolis · Twin Cities, MN

Real community for young professionals.

NEW Minneapolis is a young professionals community in the Twin Cities. We host monthly events, weekly hangouts, and interest-based Networks for people in the early years of their career — pickleball, book clubs, breweries, run clubs, Bible studies, and a dozen other ways to actually meet people.

Most groups are just fine. We wanted more — friendships that fit your life stage, your budget, and the messy work of figuring out adulthood together.

Young professionals at a NEW Minneapolis meetup gathered around a table in the Twin Cities
Radically welcoming · Wildly simple

01 — Why we exist

College gives you community on a platter. The years after don't.

NEW was started by two MSU Mankato grads who moved back to the Twin Cities and ran into the same wall most young professionals do: real fellowship is hard to find when school stops handing it to you. Apps promise connection. Bars promise vibes. Neither delivers the kind of friends who text you on a Tuesday.

So we built the thing we were looking for. Once a month for a bigger event. Several times monthly to just hang out. Short presentations to grow — relationally, mentally, spiritually, professionally. The community runs on two principles: radically welcoming and wildly simple.

S
Sam Christenson

Financial Planning Specialist · Co-founder

B
Brandon Jackson

Marketing & Sales Executive · Co-founder

Scenes from NEW

Young professionals meetup in Minneapolis - NEW community members gathered
Overhead view of a NEW Minneapolis young professionals community gathering
Twin Cities young professionals at a NEW networking and connection event

02 — Networks

Casual sub-groups, organized by what you actually like doing.

Genuine relationships form around real interests, not name tags. Networks aren't complicated — they're wildly simple. Pick what sounds fun, show up, meet people. Each Network runs on whatever app the group already uses: GroupMe, Discord, Snapchat, or Instagram.

Fitness & Wellness

Move your body with other young professionals in Minneapolis.

  • Pickleball
  • Run Club
  • Hiking
  • Healthy Living
  • Mental Health

Social & Going Out

The Twin Cities has incredible food, drinks, and events. Explore them with friends.

  • Breweries
  • Wine & Charcuterie
  • Foodies
  • Concerts
  • Road Trips
  • Local Festivals
  • Escape Rooms

Growth & Conversation

Real conversations about work, faith, life, and what comes next.

  • Book Club
  • Podcast
  • Life Reflections
  • Church / Bible Study
  • Entrepreneurs
  • 1-on-1 Coffees

Staying In & Relaxing

Low-key nights in. No bars required.

  • Movie Night
  • Coffee Hangouts
  • Cribbage
  • Board Games
  • DIY Craft Night
Join a network

GroupMe, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram — wherever you already hang out.

03 — Common questions

Everything you'd ask before showing up.

What is NEW Minneapolis?

NEW Minneapolis (Newly Entering the Workforce) is a young professionals community based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving the Twin Cities metro area. We host monthly events, weekly hangouts, and interest-based sub-groups called Networks for people in the early years of their career.

Who is NEW Minneapolis for?

NEW is built for young professionals in the Twin Cities — typically post-college through early-to-mid career — who want genuine community beyond LinkedIn networking. You do not need to know anyone to show up. Most people come solo to their first event.

How often do you meet?

We host one larger event each month, plus several smaller hangouts and Network meetups throughout the month. Activities range from pickleball and run clubs to breweries, book clubs, board game nights, and Bible studies.

How much does it cost to join?

Joining the community is free. Some events have at-cost pricing for venue, food, or activity fees, but the group itself is run by volunteers and built around what fits a young professional budget.

What are Networks?

Networks are interest-based sub-groups that organize their own meetups inside the broader NEW community. Examples include Pickleball, Run Club, Book Club, Breweries, Movie Night, and Bible Study. Networks run on tools members already use — GroupMe, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram.

How do I join NEW Minneapolis?

Visit our Linktree at linktr.ee/newminneapolis to join Networks, see upcoming events, and connect on social. You can also email hello@newmn.org or text 763-250-0669 to ask anything before showing up.

Where in Minneapolis do events happen?

Events happen across the Twin Cities — Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. Locations vary by event and Network, ranging from breweries and parks to private homes and partner venues.

Who started NEW Minneapolis?

NEW was founded by Sam Christenson and Brandon Jackson, two MSU Mankato graduates who moved back to the Twin Cities and saw a gap between college community and meaningful adult fellowship.

04 — Come hang

You don't need to know anyone. That's kind of the point.

Show up to a monthly event in Minneapolis, drop into a Network, or just text us. Bring a friend or come solo — both are normal here.